Academy of Natural Sciences: A Century of Discovery

Explore Philadelphia's oldest nature museum, featuring meticulously maintained exhibits from 1812, live creatures, a mock archeological dig, and a rich ornithology collection, including James Bond's legacy.

Discover Live Creatures and Dig for Fossils

Although a lot of the topics have actually remained in the museum for well over a century (the academy first opened its doors in 1812), they are well maintained, and their exhibitions very carefully crafted with hand repainted scenes in the background. In a time where displays are everywhere, the academy keeps them to choose few. Rather, guests can assess the background of taxidermy, the art of curation, and the precision of the display screens.

Ornithology and the James Bond Connection

The top floor is home to numerous living creatures– a small zoo where site visitors can reflect on the place of some of the tiniest animals in our ecosystem– turtles, cockroaches, and snakes are carefully looked after. Youngsters can dig for replica bones in a mock archeological dig website. The staff are happy to respond to questions and are favorably put throughout the three-story building.

A Legacy of Natural Science in America

For the bird fans amongst us, there are a fascinating array on screen. The Academy of Natural Sciences was once the office to ornithologist James Bond (yes, like the spy), the male whose pal, author Ian Flemming, called his iconic character after.

The Academy of Natural Sciences is the oldest nature museum in the nation (and the Americas). It has whatever the interested could wish for– dinosaurs, ancient fish and birds, an emphasis on preservation, and an ingrained recognition for the natural world.